Crocodiles to be driven out of human habitations in Andaman

PORT BLAIR: Amid reports of crocodiles attacking people in South

Andaman

district, the Forest Department has decided to drive the reptiles out of human inhabited areas.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Principal chief conservator of forests M S Negi has directed his staff to conduct surveys for presence of the animal and drive them out of human inhabited creek areas if found, officials said on Saturday.

Earlier in the week, he had visited various locations in South Andaman district to take stock of measures and preparedness of the department to tackle human crocodile conflict.

During his visit to Corbyn's Cove, New Wandoor and Mundapahar, he had directed officials to place more signage board on proper usage of safe swimming zone and to prohibit swimming outside it.

He also asked officials to repair the nets wherever necessary before commencement of tourist season for their safety.

In some places, the Forest Department has already fenced creeks to avoid school kids from entering the waters.

Negi said to avoid conflicts with crocodiles regular waste disposal in villages was important as the crocs gets attracted towards the waste being dumped into creeks and nallahs near human habitation.